When buying a new machine, you’re looking for the most reliable UTV available. Side-by-sides are a huge investment—whether you’re using them for work, play, or a mix of both, you don’t want a rig that’s going to spend more time in the garage than on the trail.
From your tires to your microwave, everything breaks eventually. The key is to find products that will last the longest with the fewest unexpected equipment failures. And reliability is even more important when off-roading. The last thing you want is to be stranded in the wilderness because of a breakdown.
We’ve prepared a list of the five most reliable side-by-sides of 2023 to help you choose your new rig with confidence. Reliability isn’t the only thing to consider when buying a new machine, of course. But you should take it into serious consideration when you make your final choice.
These are our picks for the five most reliable UTVs of 2023, in no particular order. This isn’t a ranking—all these machines are absolute stunners when it comes to dependability. If you’re looking for a UTV that will last, you could do a lot worse than one of these five.
We’re starting this list with a classic: the Kawasaki Mule SX. The Mule is the poster child for “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” The 2023 Mule SX is the latest in a long line of machines that go back to the first SX model released in 2017.
While it may not be cutting edge, the 2023 Mule SX will certainly stand the test of time—and it’ll keep getting the job done like Mules have since 1988. There’s a reason why the Mule is the first machine many people will think of when you say, “UTV.”
Aside from the Mule SX, Kawasaki offers the more powerful 2023 Mule Pro-MX, which would also be a solid choice as far as reliability is concerned. They both use similar single-cylinder engines, with the SX being air cooled and the Pro-MX liquid cooled.
The SX is more fuel efficient and will require less maintenance. The Pro-MX is more powerful and maintains a more consistent temperature—and a higher price tag. It’s up to you which model is better for you, but both will keep on running for many years to come.
Like the Mule, the Kawasaki Teryx has a history of reliability—it even made our list in 2021. The 2023 Kawasaki Teryx KRX 1000 has the same high-quality OEM parts that impressed us in previous generations, including A-arms and other key suspension components.
The double-wishbone front suspension and the rear four-link suspension respond well to harsh trails and should be able to take lots of abuse. And the transmission housing and engine case on the 2023 KRX are thick and muscular, perfect for the kind of rough rides that you’ll encounter off-road.
Kawasaki seems to have really hit their groove with the Mule and the KRX, but that doesn’t mean they shy away from innovation. In fact, Kawasaki is more prone to make small changes and upgrades between model years. This benefits the customer by ensuring that you’re only getting the best upgrades possible.
The 2023 Yamaha Viking EPS is another contender for the “ole reliable” moniker. There’s nothing particularly new about the 2023 model compared to 2022, aside from some paint colors and a few other things. However, one thing the Viking does have going for it is a reputation as a durable workhorse.
Yamaha is well known for their extremely reliable Ultramatic Transmissions. They reduce belt wear by keeping constant tension on the belt instead of jerking it into place from a slackened position. Other CVT transmissions can cause excess slippage and smooth the belt out over time—not good for the lifespan of your belt or your transmission.
Yamaha is so confident in the Ultrasonic Transmission that they offer a 10-year V-belt warranty on any ATV or UTV that uses it. It’s likely the most reliable side-by-side CVT on the market.
The Yamaha Viking may be a bare-bones rig when it comes to accessories and features, but it delivers big time on reliability. Besides, that’s what aftermarket parts and accessories are for!
We couldn’t write an article about the most reliable UTVs of 2023 without including a Honda side-by-side. Honda’s earned an enviable reputation for reliability across its brands, and side-by-sides are no exception.
Of course, the real question was: which Honda UTV should we choose? In the end we had to go with the 2023 Honda Pioneer 700. You really can’t go wrong with any of the Pioneer submodels—the Pioneer 1000 or Pioneer 500 could’ve easily made this list as well.
Honda maintained the perfect balance between innovation and tradition with the new Pioneer 700. They kept the high-performing innards from the previous model year, but swapped out the EPS for a stronger option and upgraded the cab with a new LCD cluster, tilt steering wheel, and bigger cupholders.
We’ve got zero complaints about 2023’s new features and we’re glad to see the same reliable 675cc engine from previous models in the 2023 Honda Pioneer 700. And if you’ve got a little extra cash to spend, the Pioneer 700 Forest—which is all new for 2023—is worth the investment for the dump bed alone!
It may be new on the scene, but we’re already impressed with the 2023 Polaris RZR Pro R. Often, total redesigns come with lots of bugs and early issues—but we’ve found this RZR to be remarkably solid.
We’ve got our fingers crossed, but it seems like Polaris has learned from past mistakes and truly designed an incredibly reliable machine. The new ProStar Fury 2.0L engine isn’t just massive—it’s well built.
The naturally aspirated design runs cooler, which should help with longevity. Servicing the engine should be simpler as well, thanks to an easy-access dipstick and oil filter, which is vital for giving your RZR the longest lifespan possible.
There’s a reason the new Polaris RZR Pro R is a leader in power and performance across the industry. It’s been totally reconstructed and over-engineered to power through the worst of the worst. We expect to see the 2023 Polaris RZR Pro R tearing up the trail for years to come.
When it comes down to it, there’s stiff competition in the side-by-side market when it comes to reliability. In fact, it was difficult to choose just five machines for this list—way harder than when we last looked at the most reliable UTVs in 2021.
The Honda Talon, Yamaha Wolverine, Arctic Cat Wildcat, and Can-Am Defender were tough skips for us, and you could definitely argue that they deserve to be here. That’s good for you as the customer—competition breeds innovation, and all the major manufacturers are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible when it comes to reliability and performance.
After you’ve picked the best UTV for you, check out the must-have upgrades every side-by-side owner needs so you can really get the most out of your new rig!
8 Comments
WHAT ABOUT THE YAMAHA YXZ ?????
What about the John Deere
What about Kymco. If it wasn’t for them making stuff for other well known companies, some of them wouldn’t be on this list. The only complaints I have with my Kymco UXV 450i is very limited aftermarket support. Since I am a retired Millwright with a shop I have been making my own stuff for it. Making a lift kit right now.
Naturally aspirated = reliable? I’m going to say “no.” Also you will likely smell like gasoline every time you so much as walk by it when it is running.
You’re paying for the name. John Deere’s are very rarely listed as the best models to buy.
Remember do a search for problems on the UTV your looking at.
All have problems, All!
Hi Jim!
We love your input! Thank you.
We had piles of them in Iraq